P.E.I. businessman gets federal time for sexual assault

Stephen Nicholas Taweel, a prominent businessman from Prince Edward Island, waits for his sentencing for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at Supreme Court in Halifax on Thursday. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

A prominent Charlottetown businessman has been sentenced to 28 months in federal prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Dartmouth back in 1991.

Stephen Nicholas Taweel, 55, was convicted in February following a trial in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Halifax.

On Thursday, Justice Patrick Murray rejected the defence’s request for a conditional sentence of two years less a day.

“I have found the seriousness of the offence and the degree of responsibility warrant a federal term of imprisonment,” the judge said.

“In sex crimes, the law is clear. Emphasis must be placed on denouncing the crime and deterring the accused and others from committing similar offences.

“This does not always mean incarceration will be the result, but it makes it more likely. And in this case, that is the sentence I have chosen.”

The judge said going to prison will be a significant challenge for Taweel, who has led an otherwise exemplary life since his encounters with the girl.

Taweel is president of Taweel Developments Inc. and Taweel Construction Ltd. and chairman of the Charlottetown Downtown Residents Association.

The sentencing was originally set for May but was postponed after Taweel’s lawyer asked for a sexual offender risk assessment. That report concluded Taweel is a low risk to reoffend.

The Crown asked for three to four years in prison, while the defence argued for a conditional sentence and probation.

Taweel was found guilty of having sexual intercourse with the girl without her consent at his sister’s house in Dartmouth on three occasions. One of the incidents also involved oral sex.

Taweel was in his early 30s when he met the Nova Scotia girl on a beach in Prince Edward Island, where her family had a cottage.

The complainant, now 37, testified that Taweel warned her not to tell anyone about their relationship. She said she felt pressured to comply with his sexual demands.

Taweel claimed the girl told him she was 16. He said they engaged in consensual sexual activity on the Island, but he denied having sex with her in Dartmouth. He admitted taking her to his sister’s place once but said they left the house without anything happening.

The victim was a shy, socially awkward teenager who was intimidated by Taweel and felt that sexual activity was inevitable, Morrison said.

“Mr. Taweel saw an opportunity and he took full advantage,” the prosecutor said.

Taweel showed complete disregard for the girl’s dignity and autonomy, Morrison said. “It is a profoundly selfish crime and is deserving of our condemnation.”

Defence lawyer Mark Knox submitted 28 letters of character reference from his client’s relatives, friends and business colleagues.

“We’re 23 years from when this occurred,” Knox said. “We have an obviously successful, pro-social businessperson who is well loved by family and friends.”

The judge ordered Taweel to provide a DNA sample for a national databank. He also has to register as a sex offender for 20 years and is prohibited from having firearms for 10 years.

Outside court, the Crown attorney said the sentence will send the appropriate message of deterrence.

“Sexual violence against children and young people deserves a strong response from the courts,” Morrison said. “Today, Justice Murray delivered that strong response.”

The victim opted not to produce an impact statement for the sentencing.

“I can’t tell you a great deal about her, but I think it’s fair to say she’s happy to put this all behind her,” Morrison said.

Halifax lawyer Joel Pink observed the sentencing hearing on behalf of high-profile Toronto lawyer Brian Greenspan, who has been retained for Taweel’s appeal of his conviction. Pink said he expects to file a notice of appeal within 24 hours.